Teratoma of the brain in a child. A case study

Intracranial teratomas account for 0.3–0.6% of all primary intracranial tumors and 0.5–1.5% of all brain tumors. They are usually located in the supratentorial region and in isolated cases are found in the posterior cranial fossa. Only 1 case of intracranial teratoma was diagnosed in the Kyrgyz Republic in the period 2019–2024, which is presented in this publication. A 9-year-old girl was admitted to the clinic with complaints of nausea and vomiting, headaches, unsteadiness when walking (frequent falls), blurred vision, convergent strabismus, and a tumor-like mass in the occipital region. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed volumetric heterogeneous cystic formation of the floor of the IV ventricle of the brain, secondary internal occlusive hydrocephalus. Serum oncromarkers (α-fetoprotein and β-chorionic gonadotropin) were within normal limits. Surgical treatment was performed in 2 stages: first – ventriculoperitoneal shunt, second – removal of the IV ventricular fundus tumor by resection trepanation of the posterior cranial fossa. Morphologic examination showed signs of a mature cystic teratoma. The postoperative period was smooth. At further follow-up, the patient still had signs of moderate internal hydrocephalus; the shunt was intact. Thus, the chosen treatment tactics was reasonable and adequate for the given clinical situation. The patient continues to be monitored for early detection of possible recurrences or complications.